When i rest my hands by my side, they get red and blotchy and warm, and when i point my hands up, the blood "drains" away. i figured it's blood pooling. is that a normal anatomical thing? or is that something i should let my doctor know?

That does not happen to everybody but it does not mean abnormal. If you do not have any other symptom(s), you have nothing to worry.

This is most likely a condition called livedo reticularis, a condition that can affect arms but is more common on the legs. Females have it more than males. Reflex changes in the blood vessels cause it. Since your symptoms are reversible this isn't a serious problem. If a physician or dermatologist could see the skin changes, diagnosis would be easier.